Houston Texans 2012 draft primer

Thankfully, this year’s draft talk was postpone a little longer than it usually is. Which is better for me because it means less time I have to find content to fill the long, soon-to-be hot offseason.

I enjoy looking at mock drafts and trying to figure out how the potential players might fit into the squad. I don’t pretend to be a draftnik because I haven’t watched tape of the college players, and even if I did, I wouldn’t be qualified to say what I’m looking at. Much of the clips on the web are very edited in a way where you may see only the good or the bad stuff but not the body of a college player’s work.

What is interesting to me about this draft is that the Texans have become a harder team to make for an incoming drafted player.

For example, one of the things that Arian Foster looked at in his decision on where to go as an undrafted free agent was to see who the incumbent running backs were already on the roster, and where he might have an opportunity. A quality system and need at the position is likely why the Texans were able to acquire some of the best undrafted free agent wide receivers last season. One reason why the 2006 draft class for the Texans was so productive is that the team had so many blatant needs all over the roster, that talent plus fit plus opportunity gave those players early access to the field.

I may not know a ton about the incoming draft class, other than it is supposed to be loaded given all the juniors coming out early, but what I do think I have a good feel for is what the Texans look for in their system, their players and what they may value more than other teams.

To get a sense of who the Texans might draft this year, it’s worth looking at their past drafts. Usually after the draft, you can look at who the Texans took, and pretty much figure out why they took that guy instead of some other guy that might have been available.

Things that the Texans value higher than other teams:

Project to the NFL measurables. The Texans have taken players who may not be four year players, or who have switched positions, but who have athletic skills and size that players tend to need on the next level. They want to see success at that position, but they are not scared away from small schools or developmental players.

Football Leadership. If you look at the players the Texans have drafted in the past, many were leaders on their teams. Often they were fan favorites from the schools they came from. (DeMeco Ryans, JJ Watt).

Football Desire. They want players who love playing the game and who are self-motivated. Guys who have the strong motivation to be the best at their positions.

Character/Intelligence. Related to football desire, they want players who make smart decisions in life and in football. That’s not to say that the Texans have only drafted and acquired choir boys because that’s not true. They want to see something going on behind a players eyes. A desire to do the right thing. Coachability.

Special Teams Ability. Kubiak doesn’t like special team specialists. He wants all his rookies to contribute on special teams, and if a player has return ability, that is a plus factor.

Need. As much as the Texans talk about drafting for “best available player,” in the salary cap era, you can’t completely do that because all positions have different values, and some positions are hard to acquire in free agency. Last year, defensive end wasn’t considered a need for the Texans because most people believed that Mario Williams would remain at end, but it was a deep draft at end, and the Texans could pick any sort of defense last year and likely fill a need. Just about each year under Gary Kubiak, if the team had a need, the draft was like going to the store with a shopping list.

The difficulty with the Texans’ needs this year is some of the positions that they could improve are ones that take time for rookies to make an impact. (Though the same could have been said for JJ Watt’s position, and he did an astonishing job for a rookie at that position).

For example, wide receiver in the Texans system is a need with an aging WR group. It’s also not an easy position for any rookie to learn, much less in the Texans system that demands precise route running, high completion percentage, plus blocking ability. If pressed, the Texans would trade some athleticism at the position for wide receiver smarts, though in a perfect world they’d like both. Due to salary cap concerns, I’m not sure that free agency is a realistic option because there are so many wide receiver-needy teams that will have more money to spend.

To some degree, it is hard to discuss need too much because we don’t know what free agency has in store and which players will be able to be retained and at what cost.

So who do you have on your Texans draft radar?

Most national ranking lists do not look at specific team needs. The differences in the rankings can be miniscule, and the above plus factors may be a part of the Texans taking one player over another.

So given the criteria above, I would like for people who are bigger draftniks than me to say who you think would be good fits for the Texans system and the kind of players that they like. For those who are not draftniks but who are Texans fans, tell me what you think the priority of team needs are.

EXACTLY. It makes me lose my mind. I think at some point, all the draft sites start copying what each other says about players. I think wisdom comes from knowing what you don’t know. One of those Socrates sorts of things.

I love draft time and I would like to add my take. I have watched mohamed sanu and dwight Jones in many big east and acc games and I have to say I could realistically see either one in a texans uniform making an impact. Both have the typical texans size and dwight Jones played with tj yates in the system at north carolina that is similar to our system.

Check out http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draftprospectrankings. This site breaks down who they think are the top 50 players in the draft. You can also check out who they think are the top 50 players for each position and projected rounds each should be drafted in.

Ron, thanks for adding the link. Yeah, I’m familiar with what a lot of sites say. But usually, those sites project top 50s for league and not Texans-specific fit needs. And they also don’t value the things the Texans value perhaps more highly than perhaps the Raiders do. Also, I will note that these sports sites talk all authoritatively but often the basic information in the sites is wrong (for example, you can find all sorts of arm lengths for Eric Winston), or that they make predictions that are spectacularly off. Like the the CBS Sports site on Amobi Okoye: “Compares To: REGGIE WHITE-ex-Philadelphia/Green Bay … To compare a player to White is something that can not be done without much consideration. But the more you see Okoye on game films, the more convinced you become that he will not only have a long, fruitful career, but will continue to grow both physically and mentally. He has such great fire and plays with the relentless pace that made White the measuring stick for all other defensive linemen. He has the low center of gravity to play over the head of the center, the speed and explosion to shoot the gaps and the quickness to even move out and attack on the edge. Okoye is The NFL Draft Report’s top-rated player for the 2007 draft.” Yes that was said at the time: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/historical/436548 The draft is so much an art rather than a science. So much of the success of a player is opportunity, fit within a system and coaching, and luck (not getting injured). Some injuries are predictable but some are just the nature of the game.

Steph lets face it The most pressing need for The Texans is a quarterback of course Schaub was hurt but prior to his injury and all of last season he played very average. T.J. Yates played good but in all honestly he is nothing more than a backup quarterback I mean he was a fifth round pick for a reason just at the 49ers and see where good quarterback play can get you. With that being said I would to see The Texans get RG3 if possible maybe putting Mario in a package for him since everyone wants him gone and Brooks Reed is the next Deacon Jones but I would settle for The next Andy Dalton in the draft as well. In addition we need a receiver and depth at The safety position but we also need a bigger nose tackle because teams ran the ball on us pretty well I just don’t think Cody is The answer. On a side note The Texans had a good season no doubt but after one season in a down division and weak schedule all of a sudden Kubiak deserves a extension its something wrong with that picture especially after he had five seasons lets let next season play out when The schedule is tougher and then consider an extension because if we let politics play a factor in this decision we could suffer through another setback in which we don’t need.

That’s funny. In the article that Steph linked to above, you commented that TJ Yates was going to be great!

You know, if you just accepted that Matt Schaub is going to be the QB for the foreseeable future, it might make life more enjoyable. The Texans are not (I repeat. NOT.) going to trade away a bunch of picks for a QB in the draft.

1) Alex smith was almost fired 6 times.
2) Kubriak has ringS.
3) one team rushed for over 100 yds this yr and they didn’t do it again in the playoffs.
4) TJ is a beast. If he pumps to the left, we’d be in the afc champ game. the kid has a cannon and will get more accurate with time. Ur QB talk is a wasted pick.

I am sorry, but you are just not very bright are you? The biggest need is QB? Really? How about WR2? Or CB2? Or NT? All of these things are much bigger needs than QB. Hell, I would put offensive line depth in front of QB. Just because you have a hard on for Schaub and post about him on almost EVERY post no matter what the topic is, does not make QB our biggest priority. As far as wanting the “next Andy Dalton”, TJ Yates was 2-0 against him this year so I would say we already have that covered. And our “weak schedule” was comparable to the Patriots, Steelers, and Ravens who were all in the bottom half of the league. You would find something to complain about if the Texans made the Super Bowl, and you know you would.

True I did say Yates was going to be great but its not hard to be better than Schaub but after watching him play in The NFL as opposed to college I think he is just a backup, but if you telling me RG3 wouldn’t be an upgrade over any quarterback we have I have to ask you what are you smoking as well. How do we justify wanted Jacoby Jones off of the team after one muffed punt that didn’t play a part in us losing the game but Schaub can actually throw interceptions for us that cost us games and it gets passed off as it was a bad play call or we throw out his numbers to say how great he is. Then to top off I never hear anyone mention how they want Schaub off the team so wants the difference between Schaubs plethra of turnovers and Jacoby’s fumble especially when the quarterback is just as average as Jacoby is their a double standard here or what. BTW, I can accept Schaub is going to be the quarterback for the forseeable future as long as you are willing to accept he is not the quarterback that can lead us to the Super Bowl just look at how Eli and Brady are throwing the ball its going to take that type of play to get us over the hump not this mediocre play we are getting now and these outstanding stats that don’t produce playoff appearances.

Tell me when did a quarterback beating another quarterback in a head to head matchup make them a better quarterback than the other. Please let me know so we can do a business deal so I can sell you The Kemah Bridge and retire tomorrow because if you think Yates is better than Dalton its something seriously wrong with you not to mention we should have tried to draft him I mean he is from Houston we like to bring other Houstonians back so we can have feel good stories why not get him.

Wow… You guys just don’t get it.. No vision, what so ever!.. Think about a guy like RGIII, that can outrun every defensive end/ linebacker that comes unblocked on a naked bootleg.. That means, worst case scenario is RGIII get 12-15 yards and runs, harmlessly, out of bounds.. Now, I want you to think about the Portland Trailblazers, who passed on Michael Jordan, because they already had Clyde Drexler.. This guy can make every throw, is exceptionally smart, and he’s got speed to burn.. He’s gonna be a mega-superstar, and we need to at least explore the idea..

I like RGIII. But give how much the Texans would have to give up to get him for a position that is not a critical need, acquiring him would be prohibitive. There are QB needy teams who will want his services–he will either get straight up drafted or someone will trade more than what the Texans could give up.

Steph all I’m saying is The Texans should at least try to inquire about RG3 services. If you read Mcclains column he is asking if we really need Foster so if The answer is no we could get a first round pick for Arian and from that standpoint getting RG3 would be ideal without giving up a lot of players. By any means am I saying we shouldn’t sign Arian or we don’t need Arian I’m just giving scenarios as to how we can obtain RG3. I still wonder why you think QB is not a glaring need after watching this season play out before Schaubs injury and after his injury a quarterback is a desperate need if you don’t won’t to say it publicly I understand but Cmon Steph Ray Charles can see this. Could you Imagine RG3 running this offense with his speed and arm strength not to mention The Texas won’t draft top players from Texas schools to save their lives even if he has to sit a year we need to Git her done.

Who gives a flying $&@¥ if a quarterback is from a Texas school???? And who cares if the Texans draft people from Texas? They play football all over the country. Jeez, I love the Aggies, but it wouldn’t kill me if they never got a player from A&M. I just want them to WIN. This obsession with Texas players is insane.

The Texans typically are not a team that chases big name school guys, or goes after as many Texas school guys as let’s say the Titans typically do. I do think that if a couple of players are relatively similar, they will go after the southern guy. Getting southern players may mean it is more likely they want to stay in Houston when their contract is up, more acclimated to the heat too.

OK, I’m gonna try again.. Try and follow the logic.. The NE Pats went to the SB in 2007, and have returned 4 years later with a team that only has 7 remaining players from the 2007 team.. How did they do that?.. Well, for one, they already had the most important piece locked up, in Tom Brady.. Every thing is relatively easy to replace.. The QB is everything, and saying it’s “not an are of need” is, at the very least wrong, if not completely ridiculous.. THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX, for Heaven’s sake.. We have a QB that’s had season ending injuries in 3 of his last 5 seasons, not to mention, HAS NEVER EVEN PLAYED IN A PLAYOFF GAME!.. How can you be comfortable with that?.. There is no price too high for a true franchise QB.. How much would you give away for Cam Newton right now?.. LOL.. Plus, as mention before (by you, stephanie) this team is close, and therefore draft picks are less valuable, anyways.. MAKE THE MOVE!..

Thankfully, you’re not in charge. How many playoff games has Cam Newton played in? And you think that a team that is close should spend their entire draft on a single rookie that might not play for a couple of years? Dude, that’s thinking outside the box, but that doesn’t make it a great idea.

Wow, Billy… You wouldn’t give three #1 picks for Cam newton, right now?.. I don’t know what to say to you, if you wouldn’t, except you’re a total moron (which I don’t think you are)… And the notion that they’d scuttle their entire draft to move up to get him is just plain wrong.. If Arian Foster is made an offer by another team, and we let him go, then we get a 1st and 3rd in return.. Now you’re moving an asset that was undrafted, for 2 premium picks, which could be turned around and packaged, and the Texans can make a play at a franchise QB.. And that’s the point, they aren’t winning anything without a franchise QB (just look at Baltimore), and I’m sorry, Matt Schaub is not that guy.. And just to bring it back around to Cam, for all the improvements the Texans made on defense, and to their team, in general, this season, the panthers are still closer to winning than the Texans, because they have a franchise QB.. This team needs to draft a QB, period..

I guess that we’ll just have to agree to disagree. My personal feeling is that, if the Panthers were closer to winning than the Texans, they would have actually won more games than the Texans. I’m not saying that Cam Newton didn’t have a good year. He obviously did. But there are plenty of quarterbacks that were going to be “franchise” QBs when they were drafted. Here are some 1st round picks from 2000-2008 that never lived up to the hype or are starting to be questioned: Ryan, Flacco, Russell, Quinn, VY, Leinart, Cutler, Alex Smith, Jason Campbell, JP Losman, Leftwich, Boller, Grossman, Carr, Harrington, Ramsey, Pennington. I’m not trying to suggest that Newton (or Griffin) is going to turn out like them, but several of them started off pretty well and then fell apart. Plus, if the Texans lose Foster, wouldn’t running back become a concern again? I love Tate, but it seems that this offense needs a couple of good backs.

Hey Steph, thanks for a great year with the blog. I can’t get into the draft thing yet, and I am not qualified to say who goes where anyway. For instance Kendall Wright from Baylor looks good, but first rounder? I don’t know and anyway the order will change to much for me to even try. However, I would call SF and see about trading there bone head for our bone head. It was a unique year with the young guys getting the access to the field and it’s to bad we may never know what the D would have looked like with Mario. If there were a way to get value for him I would do it.
I heard there were some more crazy norsemen at Wisconson. Sounds good to me.

For individual players, I’ll have to wait to do some research, and that will have to wait until after the Super Bowl. However, I can guess a few things based on the Texans recent history, needs, and just random feelings.

First, the Texans have the 26th pick, which makes it harder to draft an impact player, especially one that will start right away. Also, they have the most solid roster they have ever had, which makes getting a starter even harder. However, they showed this year that you can never have too much depth. The 4th string quarterback took snaps this season. No position is stacked enough to not need improvement or depth.

By #26, a lot of the so-called “skill positions” will be picked. 4-5 wide receivers, corners, offensive tackles, and pass rushers will be gone. 3-4 quarterbacks and linebackers will be gone. The Texans could still possibly get the best interior lineman on either side of the ball, or maybe second best. This brings me to the question of what the Texans need, and what positions they draft well.

Houston have done a good job with rookie linebackers and running backs. They have been solid with offensive linemen and tight ends. Receivers, defensive backs, and quarterbacks have not been as solid, and if it weren’t for JJ Watt, defensive line would be very weak. Most of the solid players at those positions were free agent or trade acquisitions. Sure, the Texans could use an upgrade at receiver, but you’re asking the guy who drafted Jacoby Jones to pick the right guy. Andre Johnson was inherited by the current GM.

If I’m picking for Houston, I’m taking a long look at receivers, defensive backs, and interior linemen on both sides of the ball. If the value is equal at all positions, I’d rank the positions as 1) DB, 2) WR, 3)DT, and 4) OL. I’m not slamming the current offensive line, but after last year’s primarily defensive draft, I’d like some more depth on the o-line. Plus I think the Texans can get good value in an interior lineman at #26. I’d like to see a receiver in the second or third round if they don’t go there in the first, and if it turns out to be Brian Quick, that would be my favorite pick.

I would be very happy with Toon, but that is because I’m a Wisconsin homer. Still, the Texans have done pretty well with Badgers – Owen Daniels and JJ Watt were both solid picks. I’m still hoping they go another direction in round 1, because I’m an even bigger homer for App State, and I’d like to see 6’5″ 220# Brian Quick in a Texans uniform next year – at least until I start seeing how he is rated by the draft experts, and how he performs against top competition in the Senior Bowl.

On Defense: I think we need a NT, another LB if Mario leaves, maybe a safety if GQ moves back to take KJ’s place but In WADE I trust to make great choices.

On offense: I think we need at least one receiver, possibly 2. Walter should be a 3rd receiver, not second. cut JJ and save 3 million. We also need to draft a quality offensive lineman. The Texans should look at 2 Houston Cougars in the later rounds, possible free agents. Patrick Edwards as a WR and Sammy Brown at OLB. both had an outstanding year and I think would be great additions to the team for making things happen.

Stephanie: Any top 50 list isn’t worth spending time on. The Texans are only going to get one player from that group.For several years John Harris and Lance Z. put out good lists of a hundred or more names, but they wouldn’t satisfy all the draftniks that want to know everything RIGHT NOW!
They issued their final lists about a week before the draft. That’s why they were good.
As for wants, my selections would be a receiver that can run and, when he doesn’t get separation, will contest the defender for the ball and WIN most of the time, unlike our current No. 3; a guard who should develop into the rotation in a year; and a cover corner to relieve Kareem when the opponent goes into all out passing mode; a cover linebacker for depth. Also 1 or 2 undrafted FOOTBALL PLAYERS to play special teams. (GARY JUST GAGGED.) Who needs a 5th tight end or 6th corner who can’t break into the lineup and who play Special Teams like it’s indentured servitude? Good night, now (apologies to Jim Rome).

Everyone covets the kid from OK State but, realistically, WR Alshawn Jeffries seems ripe to fall to us. For a second round pick, I like Jeff Fuller, out of Texas A&M. I am hoping that one of last years’s pickups (Jeff Maehl or Terrance Tolliver)can reemerge during camp and provide some much needed competition at that spot. Also expecting more out of two DB’s drafted in 2011 draft.

For the first time in a long time (maybe forever), I think the Texans are truly in “best player available” mode. However, I think most of us would agree that picking up a quality WR to start opposite Andre would be very nice. Lots of people are clamoring for Michael Floyd… I never saw the guy play, so I can’t comment on him. But I saw Alshon Jeffrey (S. Carolina) play, and the dude is a straight up beast. He’s big and strong, with great hands… lacks high-end speed though. It’s possible that he’ll be there when the Texans are on the clock. I’ve seen his draft ratings from the 20′s to the 40′s… take them for whatever they’re worth.

Another guy to keep your eye on is Alfonso Dennard, a CB from Nebraska. I doubt he falls to Houston though. I can see the Texans still wanting to shore up the other CB spot, since you often don’t know what you’re going to get from Kareem Jackson or Jason Allen.

I know that it’s not the Texans’ M.O., but I wouldn’t mind seeing them trade up to get a player, if there is somebody they REALLY like. I think they’re past the point where they need to stockpile talent, and should go after players that they think will cover some of the current weaker areas in the starting line-ups. I’m not saying to give the world away… still make smart decisions. But if you can move up from 26 to say 15 to grab your guy, and you need to give away your 1st and 3rd picks to do it, I say go for it.

I completely agree with Chris… We need to look at drafting a QB, and if need be, make some huge deal to move up and get RGIII.. I’m not sure what the deal is with Mario, but if he is restricted, then the best possible scenario is for someone to make an offer, and let him go.. Then get a 1st and 3rd in return.. Everybody needs to remember, here, that we have a starting QB that is now noth of 30, and he’s had season ending injuries in 3 of his 5 season, here.. That’s not good, and we are not even discussing his ability to get us to a championship, which is certainly still up in the air.. If the draft is truly as deep as everyone says it is, then make a splash like Atlanta did last year.. I would give both number ones, if indeed Mario left, and next year’s #1 for RGIII, and still have 7 draft picks left, and 6 next year.. And like you said, this team is close, already, so it’s not like these picks are as valuable to the Texans, as opposed to a team short on talent.. Quarterback!.. It’s a no brainer..

And for all the Falcons gave up, they still couldn’t win a playoff game. Good teams don’t mortgage the future on an unknown, regardless of how good Griffin MAY be. NFL history is littered with “sure things”.

I wish some of this people will wake up and smell the coffee not to mention he is coming off a injury on his foot in which he was slow as hell before the injury imagine how slow he is going to be after the injury when the offense works off of bootleg plays.

I do have concern on what sort of player Schaub is after injury. Publicly, the Texans do not seemed concerned about his recovery from this injury. For the purposes of this offense, Schaub was plenty fast enough.

The Falcons overspent for a wide out, sure, but there really is no unreasonable price for a franchise QB, and Lord, would I love to see RGIII running Kubiak’s system.. Can you imagine the precarious spot a lone defender would be in with RGIII out on the edge on a play fake, roll out?.. Oh… My… God!..

What is it with the love affair with quarterbacks from the state of Texas? First, the Texans supposedly should have drafted Vince Young. Then, Chris (and others) think that the Texans should have drafted Colt McCoy. Then, Andy Dalton. Now, it’s Griffin? Heck, if you’re going to give up enough to get Griffin, why not give up your next 3 drafts to get Andrew Luck? He’s the more polished QB. Plus, he’s from TEXAS!!!!!!

And, yes, I’m being sarcastic. Y’all are delusional if you think that a team that is drafting in the mid-20′s is going to be able to get enough together to move up and get either one of those quarterbacks. I wish that you would realize that just because someone is good in college doesn’t mean that he’s going to do squat in the pros. Evidence: Jamarcus Russell, Ryan Leaf, Akili Smith, Brady Quinn, Jimmy Clausen, …

Personally, I would rather improve the other areas of the team and roll with Schaub, Yates, and whoever else Kubiak brings in. But then again, I’m not the type that feels that you need to make a big splash in the draft or free agency to be considered elite. **cough, cough, Dallas, cough, Washington**

Mario is an UNrestricted free agent when his contract expires in March. Any team can sign him and the Texans would get nothing. Arian is a restricted free agent so the Texans get the right of first refusal if he signs with another team. Texans would receive a first round draft choice next year if the Texans were not able to sign Arian due to cap restrictions. Let’s not forget Chris Myers, Mike Brisiel and Joel Dreessen are free agents in March, too. Texans have a lot on their plate.

Theoretically, Mario could be franchised but that number is huge. Foster is a RFA but all that another team would have to give up is a 1st round pick. There is the potential that another team could offer more money than the Texans could give under the cap. There’s a number of teams way under the cap. I’m going to have a blog post on this that discusses in more detail what the potential options are.

Much of the clips on the web are very edited in a way where you may see only the good or the bad stuff but not the body of a college player’s work.

This used to be true but each year it gets better. Today there is actually some very good video on players. TMBDraft is one such example. They provide 3 or 4 games of positives and negatives for many perspective players. This is much like what NFL scouts do. They don’t watch video of every single game and every single snap of a perspective player. Mike Mayock does the same when scouting, he picks out 2 or 3 game films to review. You can review the body of work by looking at players career statistics. That gives you a good idea of consistency and improvements. You don’t have watch 100 hours of game film to know a players abilities and consistencies.

Yes the Texans do a very good job of talking the talk on values and priorities. Much like they talk the talk about not reaching for a player or drafting potential. Every year Rick Smith will give the speech on how important it is to take the Best Player Available and how you can’t reach for need or potential. And almost every year proceeds with the first pick to draft for need and or potential leaving the Best Player Available on the board.

After 6 years of watching and studying the Texans draft this is how I see the operation. Coach Kubiak has full control and final say on the 53 man roster. Rick Smith is GM in name only and is more of a informational yes man. Each year an evaluation is made to determine the teams weakest link. Then Kubiak assigns draft picks to the coordinator or position coach to in improve the weak link. Kubiak always keeps a couple draft picks for himself to take the TE or QB of his choice.

Since you specifically ask draftniks not to comment on drafts picks or team needs I will stop here.

Going back I misread your comments. You were very clear. However my comments wouldn’t fit what players fit the system. I can do a Peter King 9000 word MMQB on what the Texans need/should do in this off season, primarily draft. Thoughts/views they’re extreme from conventional think and 180 from direction Texans are heading. I don’t know if you want that? But it might very well create some discussion.

I’d love that. The purpose of the blog is to create discussion and avoid group think. Makes things interesting. I have a very open mind to varying points of view supported by reason and logic. If you want to make it a guest post, contact me via Twitter.

“After 6 years of watching and studying the Texans draft this is how I see the operation. Coach Kubiak has full control and final say on the 53 man roster. Rick Smith is GM in name only and is more of a informational yes man. Each year an evaluation is made to determine the teams weakest link. Then Kubiak assigns draft picks to the coordinator or position coach to in improve the weak link. Kubiak always keeps a couple draft picks for himself to take the TE or QB of his choice.”

I think this is right on. It will be interesting to see how future drafts will proceed without the majority of the picks dedicated to Wade.

Larry, I do think you left out one item in regards to Kubiak’s personal selections. He also reserves a draft pick for a Colorado St. or Rice player, which just so happens to be the same schools that his sons attended.

As I’ve been told, the Texans approach is very collaborative. Assistant and position coaches talk in depth about their needs, and what they need for their positions. The scouts are aware of what the Texans coaches are looking for in players. The offensive coaches and the defensive coaches meet separately about players, and eventually they all meet as a group. The coaches were raised in this system tend to be better at it than the ones that did not have that years of background.

Crazy. QBs are in their prime past 30 and can stay good for a while. Look at the ones in the Super Bowl, playoffs. Houston would riot if Andre Johnson was traded, and I’m not sure either one of their contracts is particularly tradeable. And there is no replacement for AJ next year. Receivers with size can be productive into their 30s if they are great route runners and Andre Johnson is a great route runner. And check out the huge drop off between Schaub’s production and TJ Yates. Points-wise, 3rd downs in particular, it is immense. Schaub is a very efficient QB in this system–didn’t put up the huge numbers last year because he didn’t need to, the Texans had the lead most of the time.

Brandon Harris ,Roc Carmichael, please give them a year in the system, AND OTA’S for the young bucks to prosper. I also believe that Lester Jean and Jeff Maehl are raw talents that can be polished along with some more competition OR AS WE SAY DEPTH at receiver. Trinidad Holiday is a project in the making ( Travis “Blur” Benjamin). DB is not an easy position in the NFL…..No disrespect to the so called experts, but you cant expect every player to come into the NFL and put it all together in their first season(OL Derek Newton, LB Mister Alexander, LB Bryan Braman) With that said, you cant just draft choir boys, give me someone who has walked in the fire, who has been labeled somewhat of an outkast, or problem child in which society and expert writers like to label kids…… give them a chance to prove to those who have doubted them wrong and those who only know stats and how to label players and point fingers. Give these kids a second chance and surround them by players such as C. Meyers, Andre Johnson, etc.. to instill values and teach them how to be leader and of all a professional. Every Div1 FBS school player ain’t all that and some small schools do have a diamond in the ruff (FCS, DIV II,) . Its not all about numbers…….

Well the defense was amazing this year, but we would have had a couple of more wins if we had another quality corner. Claiborne from LSU, Kilpatrick from Bama and Dennard from Nebraska will surely be gone before the Texans pick. I would keep my eyes open for Stephen Gilmore from South Carolina or Jenoris Jenkins from Northern Alabama if they are looking for a corner.

HOWEVER… all bets are off if Kendall Wright falls to us in the mid 20′s. Then I think the Texans look to take the hottest receiver in the Big 12 aside from Blackmon. He is small at 5’10″… but runs a 4.45.

I agree,Colt could be somebody to bring in & replace Leinart in the B/U QB spot. Some bench time in our system could be very good for him & would give us ANOTHER option in a position of importance w/o breaking the bank.

Well, slightly off topic, but I am still depressed after watching the AFC Championship game, and realizing that the Schaub-led Texans would have been playing in the Super Bowl! Oh, Well, It was still a really good year!

I haven’t thought about the draft yet, although I view myself as a true expert in the somewhat arcane art of selecting future NFL greats!!
See, this forum replaces the time-honored custom of sitting around the local bar, having a few cool pops, and discussing the woes and successes of the local 11. Everyone is entitled to their opinion on every draft pick, muffed punt, missed call, etc etc.
The fact that your (actually this means all of you!!) opinion is not as insightful as mine is irrelevant. You still get to voice it, ridiculous though it is!
Thus, even if someone thinks the Texans should select a QB like RG3 to replace Schaub, he is still entitled to put forth that opinion in the bar, although he may be shouted down by other patrons who have had far less to drink.

Anyway, the Texans need help at WR. This years version of AJ Green would be nice! Other than that, I think they take the best player available.
Which is really nice to be able to say. But not a RB, or a TE.

Yeah, it is really difficult to watch these games and not think about what a fully functional Texans offense paired with this defense could have done this year. Best thought of as bygones or else it gets you bitter.

I have a few questions about what you think the Texans will do with Mario Williams. First, with the new CBA, is it possible anymore to put the Franchise Tag on a UFA, over the player’s objection, and then trade the player? If so, will it be possible to do this before the draft?

Assuming that it is, and looking at projected 4-3 teams throughout the League, what do you think you could get for him? Is a mid-low 1st and 3rd unrealistic? Both Cleveland and Cincinnati have a second 1st rounder in the 21-22 range, and their DEs aren’t as impressive as Williams.

Seattle doesn’t have a second 1st rounder, but their first is #12, and they could use another DE to bookend Clemons. In addition, Seattle was bottom 10 in sacks this year and Williams would only improve that. Saves them having to burn the pick on, e.g. Devon Still (Penn State). With the #12 pick, I think you’d be happy whether or not you could also get the 3rd or 4th rounder.

Finally, would Philly have the room? Obviously, they’d have to cut either Babin or Cole, and they still might not have the room or desire to do a long term deal with Williams.

Isn’t the Texans’ goal next year realistically a Super Bowl appearance? And would any conceivable backup get this team to the SB? In other words, if Schaub goes down, you’re not making your goal anyway, so why worry whether Yates or flavor of the month is good enough to be the backup? I think the Texans should worry instead about settling their holes at WR2, CB2, and NT, as well as addressing some of their fiscal concerns. With that, would it be worthwhile to target Fletcher Cox (MS State), Alameda Ta’amu (UWash), or Josh Chapman (Alabama) at NT? I would prefer that any WR drafted, also be able to return kicks. So, I’m leaning more towards Kendall Wright, than Alshon Jeffrey. Were I running the Texans, my draft priorities would be: WR/KR, NT, CB2, OL backup. Kicker, if one comes up in rounds 6-7. I’d try to supplement either CB or WR through FA (I don’t think you’ve enough money to address both). Pay Arian Foster his money, pay Meyers and Brisiel—that O-line is a tremendous asset—and get what you can for Mario, because in this defense he isn’t worth the $12M/yr that he’s going to get. Oh, and try to keep Wade Phillips around: I think the jury is out as to how much credit he gets vs. Smithiak for the Defense’s phoenix-like rebirth.

Working on a salary cap post that I hope is up soonishly. I worry about retaining Williams/Foster because I’m not sure what incentives they have to work out a deal with the Texans given what the Texans will have to offer under the cap. I do not think the jury is out at all about how much credit Wade Phillips should get–he should get all of it. Texans defense was all sorts of sorry many years prior to his hiring. Without an off-season, he basically took it from near worst to first. Offensive performance tends to be more consistent from year to year than defensive performance for all sorts of reasons but I’m fairly optimistic about the defense as long as Phillips is running the show and helping pick the groceries in free agency and the draft.

Here’s a can’t miss QB for those of you who are all wound up about the wrong position:

Ht. 6’5″, Wt. 265#, 40 time 4.83

22-3 in SEC play, undefeated in post season (bowl games and conference championship), 2 year starter and first team all-SEC. Here’s what some experts said:

“Look out because the skill level he has is certainly John Elway-like” – Mel Kiper
“The workout he had was Star Wars. It was unbelievable.” – John Gruden
“He’s like a video game. There’s not a throw he can’t make and there’s some he can make I’m not sure anyone else can make.” – Lane Kiffin
“This year, I can’t get over how good and talented [he] is. It just blew me away… From a physical skill set perspective, I’ve never seen a college quarterback with more ability than [him]. You put the tape on and it’s frightening. If he wants to be the best quarterback in football, he can be.” – Mike Mayock
“I’ve never seen a kid that big who can sit there and just have people hanging on him and make the throws he can make. He reminds me a little bit of Daunte Culpepper, but a little bigger. I’m sure he’s going to continue to be a great player.” – Gary Kubiak
“The film that we’ve watched has impressed more and more. The guy can wing it but seems to have that real feel for the game, and a presence. He looks like he could come into any system and be ready.” – Rod Marinelli
“[They] finally get their big arm. And he’s a good kid, strong kid, smart kid. He’ll be a big-time player. If I’m the [them], that’s who I pick. That’s pretty easy.” – Terry Bradshaw
“I can’t remember being in such awe of a quarterback in my decade of attending combines and pro days. [His] passing session was the most impressive of all the pro days I’ve been to. His footwork for such a big quarterback was surprising. He was nimble in his dropbacks, rolling out and throwing on the run. The ball just explodes out of his hands.” – Todd McShay

If you want this can’t miss guy, congratulations, you just picked up JaMarcus Russell. There is no such thing as a can’t miss prospect. What Houston would have to give up to move high enough to draft on of the top rated QBs is ridiculous. They might have a guy fall to them – Aaron Rodgers went #24, and was expected to go #1 by some. If RGIII should fall far enough, by all means, grab him. But don’t expect it.

DC – Great comment and great point. The first round is definitely a crap-shoot. Usually only 3 or 4 that make it big time, and the remainder you can divide into 1/3′s between good, average, and total busts. For every JJ Watt, Duane Brown, and Brian Cushing, there’s an Amobe Okoye, Travis Johnson and Kareem Jackson. Virtually all teams are no different than the Texans, some much worse. At least over the last 4 years we have gotten 3 right, which probably puts us near the top over that period.

Everyone seems to agree that we need another WR. Our defense is solid and our front line is solid along with RB’s. We are week in the WR, in the event AJ goes down again, as well as depth at QB. Look at this year. I think it will take some time for TJ, but i don’t think he has the gun, in he long run. I would consider, if he is still around in the second or third, that we might look at Case Keenum. The Cougar style offense makes him a perfect fit for the Texans. Mobile, great arm, and good decisions.

I’m willing to bet that if you really wanted Keenum, you don’t need to snatch him up with a 2nd or 3rd round pick. You could get him in the 4th or 5th round, or maybe later depending on combine/pro-day workouts. At any rate, although it would be a feel good story, I think most of us do not want the Texans drafting a marginal QB with an early pick. I love the way Case plays the game and wish him well in his pro endeavors, but I don’t see his game translating to the NFL. And I especially don’t see his SIZE translating to the NFL.

1) What floors me about people who come out with mocks this time of year (or even earlier)–pre-free agency and pre-combine–is that even the real NFL personnel, the guys whose paycheck and reputation are on the line, still whiff on a nontrivial percentage of their picks. All this talk is good entertainment and all, but for someone to get bent because his/her’s fave hidden prospect is not getting pub is just ridiculous.

2) Also obvious: people start playing fantasy-draft with reality situations, ignoring how their pet trade would gut the rest of the team for the present and foreseeable future. (As you pointed out above.)

I’m really looking forward to this draft–if they can find a few more JJ Watt/Brooks Reed type it’s gonna be fun next year.

I like to check out mock drafts for a sense of who is out there. But I try to keep an open mind with the options and not get to wed to particular players. Sometimes the draft to me feels like Christmas–a whole bunch of presents out there, but you ain’t getting most of them.

Can anyone come up with a “we broke the bank and traded everything we had for that one coveted pick” situation that worked out? I mean, there MUST be at least one…but all I can think of is the Saints and Ricky Williams, and the Vikings and Herschel Walker (that trade actually put Dallas in multiple Super Bowls, I believe).

All right the main positions the Texans need to go for is a 2nd WR that can back up Andre Johnson and a CB that can replace Kareem Jackson. Let’s face it we lost the Saints game because Jackson kept getting beat. Jones is a decent receiver in his own right but he is only good explosion Jones has is his speed, other than that he isn’t the WR we need. Oh and for all you people saying that nobody outside 1st round draft picks especially QBs do anything in the NFL, check your knowledge of the 2000 draft. The NE Patriots picked up Tom Brady in the 6th Round Pick 199 and he now has 3 Super Bowl rings and is about to be in his 5th Super Bowl. A QB is not our problem and Schaub is becoming the quarterback we need him to be. Oh and for thinking we don’t need Arian Foster go back and check your stats on that information too because in our first meeting against the Ravens he had only 15 carries for 49 yards but when we played them the second time in the playoffs he had 27 carries for 132 yards. Against the Bengals the first time 15 carries for 41 yards, on the second game 24 carries for 154 yards. For only playing in 13 games this season and being in the company of the Top 5 rushers in the 2011 season I believe we more than need him on this team.

One concern I have with your assessment of draft picks is wide receiver/cornerback are difficult positions to excel at right away. Not that it can’t be done, but it’s hard. Texans already spent a second round pick on a corner who didn’t make the field last year.

Because Whats-his-name, last year’s 2nd rounder, has been nothing so far – he’s been hurt, hasn’t he? – doesn’t mean they can’t go after and obtain a good early-round CB pick.

Granted that you have to worry about a CB starting right away, it’s not as if the Texans’ defense is so fragile they can’t bring a player along.

FWIW, I agree that K. Jackson has been a huge disappointment but he’s really lost more “fan mind-share” than actual games. He played pretty good most of the year. And every CB gets burned sometimes, even the best.